Sheriff brings changes to Forsyth Co. department

CUMMING - The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is undergoing some big changes.

Sheriff Duane K. Piper outlined a new structure for his department in a press release Wednesday, saying he has eliminated 11 middle management positions, created a unit that will keep a closer watch on sex offenders and reallocated officers so there is more manpower in schools.

"This plan better aligns the leadership, provides for increased accountability and allocates more resources to the community," said Piper.

The sheriff said the 11 officers whose jobs were eliminated were offered severance packages by the county. He said the layoffs were not the result of disciplinary action, but simply part of his plan to make sure the department will run more efficiently.

Piper also announced the creation of the ProActive Community Enforcement unit, or P.A.C.E. He said the unit will operate across the county, targeting specific problem areas and assisting with frequent monitoring of registered sex offenders who live in the county.

Also, Piper announced that seven new officers plus an additional Sergeant were added to the School Resource Unit. He said those officers would being their assignments Monday, February 25. Piper said the existing Community Relations Unit will be expanded from four to eight officers.

In addition, the restructuring eliminated the rank of Lt. Colonel and eliminated two unfilled positions of Sergeant and Lieutenant. The realignment also involved the reassignment of 60 other employees throughout the department, according to the press statement.